2008 Western Power Solar Model Car Challenge
Release Date: 28 October 2008
The quest to win the 2008 Western Power Solar Model Car Challenge began this week for 200 students who have designed and built 40 cars for the 17th annual challenge.
Heats for the fastest solar cars will be held in Forrest Place this Thursday with finals held on Friday, starting at 9.30am. The grand final will be raced at approximately 1.30 pm on Friday.
The first four placegetters will be flown to Tasmania to compete in the Australian-International titles, which will be held this year at the University of Tasmania in Hobart on the 22 and 23 November.
At this week’s challenge students from 20 schools will race their cars over a 100-metre track in the shape of a figure-of-eight.
An added challenge is that cars must carry a raw egg “driver”.
On Thursday students will compete in elimination heats from which the fastest 32 cars will qualify for the final on Friday.
In good conditions, the model cars achieve speeds of up to 20kmh, a speed which tests the cornering capability of the vehicle.
Western Power’s Sustainability Manager, Ms Inge Van Der Poel said that the Solar Model Challenge is great way for young people to be innovative about alternative ways to generate energy.
“Solar powered racing has also proved to be great fun and we expect a fair bit of excitement as we get into the finals.”
“The competition is not just about winning, it’s about learning and sharing and enjoying yourself,” Ms Van Der Poel said.
“Western Power hopes that by exposing young people to this kind of challenge they will be encouraged to develop a more sustainable approach to energy use, or even pursue a career in this field."
Every year students travel to Perth to join in the competition, this year has been no exception with Albany SHS and first time entrant Maranatha Christian College (Waikiki), entering the Solar Challenge.
Belridge SHS, won the Challenge in 2007 for the fourth year running and is determined to retain the title this year. Hottest competition is expected to come from old rivals Christ Church Grammar School, Aquinas College and Morley SHS.
Since the challenge began in 1992, more than 3,500 secondary school students have participated in the event, with over 720 solar-powered model cars built for the occasion.
(ENDS)
Participating schools:
1. Albany Senior High School ALBANY
2. Aquinas College MANNING
3. *Armadale Christian College ARMADALE
4. Belridge Senior High School BELDON
5. Christ Church Grammar School CLAREMONT
6. Girrawheen Senior High School GIRRAWHEEN
7. Guildford Grammar School GUILDFORD
8. *John Calvin Christian College ARMADALE
9. John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School MIRRABOOKA
10. *Kelmscott Senior High School KELMSCOTT
11. Leeming Senior High School LEEMING
12. Lynwood Senior High School PARKWOOD
13. *Maranatha Christian College WAIKIKI
14. Mazenod College LESMURDIE
15. Morley Senior High School NORANDA
16. Perth Modern School SUBIACO
17. Prendiville Catholic College OCEAN REEF
18. Shenton College SHENTON PARK
19. Thornlie Senior High School THORNLIE
20. Winthrop Baptist College WINTHROP
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
